Negative lift exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus for use by a sole individual user. In the preferred embodiment, a frame having a base is provided. A mast is attached to the base. A pivotable platform or bench on which the user can be positioned is operatively connected to the base and, in the quiescent state of the apparatus, parallel to the base. A handlebar unit, preferably comprising two grips, is connected to the mast, the handlebar unit having at least one sensor operable by the individual user. A drive element is operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the handlebar unit. The exercise apparatus operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, so when the user releases at least one of the handlebar unit sensors, the handlebar unit returns to an initial position relative to the mast, and the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application is related to copending provisional patent application nos. 62/617,190 for FREE STANDING METAL STRUCTURE THAT CAN PROVIDE AUTOMATED AND UNASSISTED MOTION WITH ADJUSTABLE FORCE FOR BODY CONDITIONING, filed Jan. 13, 2018 and 62/763,497 for NEGATIVE LIFT EXERCISE APPARATUS, filed Jun. 16, 2018, and hereby incorporates the teachings therein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise apparatus and, more particularly, to a negative lift exercise apparatus that allows an individual user a safe way to perform a proper negative resistance exercise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional resistance training systems or exercise machines usually include mechanisms for varying the degree of positive resistance during use. They are often intended to exercise various parts of the human body. In the majority of such machines, known as gravity weight systems, the user exercises against a resistance created by differing suspended weights that can be engaged and disengaged in order to obtain the desired level of resistance. A stack of individual weights is provided and the user selects the amount of weight for a particular exercise.

More recently, electromechanical resistance systems are available to replace conventional weight stack systems. These electromechanical resistance systems permit electronic control of the resistance profile during an exercise routine. Programmable exercise systems replace conventional weights by an electric motor and a variable clutch device. A digital processor is connected to a sensor that detects the position and direction of movement of an element operated by the user. The processor controls the magnitude of the torque transmitted by the clutch. The resistive force provided to the user is thus varied as a function of the location and direction of movement of the element operated by the user. In contrast to such conventional electromechanical systems, the present invention initiates motion that the user resists, operating on a negative resistance principle, and continues as long as the user demonstrates readiness. Conventional systems, however, merely resist user motion, operating on a positive resistance principle. Moreover, the inventive system permits the user to select an adjustable maximum force.

Gravity weight-based systems can be cumbersome, costly, difficult to ship, and difficult to move. They also present substantial risk of injury from the possibility of mechanical failure of system components, and can be hazardous when the velocity increases. The lack of fail safes incorporated into their design, and the creation and need to control momentum during an exercise is also problematical. Moreover, for safety sake, one or two trainers, assistants, or helpers, known as spotters, are required for the user to operate free weight systems safely. These spotters help lift the weight during the positive stroke and refrain from assisting during the negative stroke. Using spotters can be not only inefficient, but also imprecise, as they are relied upon to determine the degree of assistance to provide and when to provide it.

In conventional negative resistance systems, spotters are prone to injury, since such systems should be performed with heavier weights, representing some 5-20% greater weight than a particular user's one repetition maximum weight, thus affording the best exercise value.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,968,155 and 9,717,952 both issued to Bird for RESISTANCE APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD on Mar. 3, 2015 and Aug. 1, 2017, respectively, describe a resistance exercise system having a DC power supply system, a DC motor connected to the DC power supply system, a drive section connected to a drive element, a resistance delivery element connected to the drive element, and an extractable exercise resistance delivery section, a predetermined variable resistance section intermediate the DC power supply system and DC motor, an electrical condition sensor, and a variable resistance section control in communication with the electrical condition sensor and the predetermined variable resistance section. U.S. Pat. No. 9,717,952 also includes a rotatable drive element. In some embodiments, the resistance exercise system includes a computing facility providing the ability to configure the exercise system to provide predetermined static or variable exercise resistance during exercise, and for example, during a positive or negative exercise stroke. Some embodiments allow users to create and, if desired, display varying and complex resistance exercise routines with or without use of resistance weights.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,323,158 issued to Keiser for EXERCISE APPARATUS USING WEIGHT AND PNEUMATIC RESISTANCES on Dec. 4, 2012, describes an exercise apparatus that combines weight and pneumatic resistance to provide a user with options to work against either or both types of resistances. In one mode, the exercise apparatus includes a user interface, such as, for example, a weight-lifting bar, that a user can move either toward or away from a stationary portion of the user's body. A weight (e.g., a free weight plate) can be selectively coupled to the user interface. A pneumatic resistance device can also be selectively coupled to the user interface independent of whether the user interface is also coupled to the weight. The pneumatic resistance device includes at least one valve to regulate the amount of resistance that the pneumatic resistance device applies to oppose movement of the user interface in at least one direction. At least one actuator may be provided for controlling the at least one valve, the actuator being configured to be manipulated by the user while the user is in an exercise position. The apparatus can also include a trolley that moves relative to a track. The trolley can move with the user interface so as to permit various positions of the user interface relative to the pneumatic resistance device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,361 issued to Harvey, et al. for COMPUTERIZED EXERCISE SYSTEM AND METHOD on Aug. 28, 2001, describes a computerized exercise system and method allowing exercising in both a gravity field and a gravity free environment. The exercise system includes one or more exercise modules positioned at specific locations and coupled to an exercise member through an extendable cable extending between each exercise module and one or more exercise members. A controlling structure controls tension forces in each of the cables for generating desired resistive forces in the exercise member at each point of its trajectory, simultaneously moving through a trajectory, defined by exercise parameters. When a user performs an exercise routine, he/she moves the exercise member and overcomes the resistive forces elevated by the exercise modules through the controlled tension forces in each cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus for use by a sole individual user. A frame having a base is provided. A mast is attached to the base. A pivotable platform or bench on which the user can be positioned is operatively connected to the base and, in the quiescent state of the apparatus, parallel to the base. A handlebar unit, preferably comprising two grips, is connected to the mast, the grips each having a safety switch operable by the individual user. As a safety feature, the pressure switch requires the user to maintain a minimum upward force before the conditions are met to start the handlebar unit downward. If a predetermined minimum resistance is not maintained, the apparatus returns to its start position.

A drive element such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical (e.g., linear motor) system, is operatively connected to the mast for producing motion the user can resist. The exercise apparatus operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, so when the user releases one or two handlebar safety switches or a certain resistance level is not maintained, the handlebar unit returns to an initial position relative to the mast, and the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus usable by a sole individual user without assistants to perform a proper negative exercise.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an environment for the user to safely resist motion at 5%-20% more force than the user can lift in a positive one repetition maximum exercise.

It is an addition object of the invention to allow the user to safely abort an exercise at any time without the risk of injury.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that includes a handlebar unit with two grips, each one having a sensor operable by a user so when the user releases one or two handlebar sensors, the handlebar unit returns to an initial position relative to the mast, and the user can rest or start again from the apparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that includes a drive element such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or linear motor system, operatively connected to the mast for producing motion to the handlebar unit.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are more readily apparent with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the major components of the invention and their relationship to one another;

FIG. 3 is a photograph of a bench press illustrating another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a photograph of a press illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a photograph of a press illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention in which a user can perform leg exercises;

FIG. 6 is a photograph of a press illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention in which a user can perform standing squats;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a bench press;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the bench press of FIG. 7 with a user in workout position;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a press configured for standing squat exercises;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the bench press of FIG. 9 with a user in workout position;

FIG. 11 is schematic illustration of a press configured for standing curl exercises and a user in workout position;

FIG. 12 is a schematic bench press configured for leg presses; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic the bench press of FIG. 12 with a user in workout position.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the following detailed description contains specific details for the purposes of illustration, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

An exercise apparatus is provided for exercising one or more muscle groups of a user's body. Apparatus may be dedicated to exercising a specific muscle or group of muscles as is the case with a wide variety of single station exercise machines that are now available. Alternatively, apparatus may be a multi-station exercise machine having a number of exercise stations, each of which is configured for exercising a particular muscle group. The exercise apparatus has a frame having a base and a mast attached to the base. A pivotable platform or bench on which the user can be positioned is operatively connected to the base and, in the quiescent state of the apparatus, parallel to the base. A handlebar unit, preferably comprising two grips, is connected to the mast, the handlebar unit having at least one sensor operable by the individual user. A drive element such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or linear motor system, is operatively connected to the mast for producing motion to the handlebar unit.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a side schematic view of the exercise apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention.

A substantially planar, rigid base 12 is fabricated from steel or other metal in the preferred embodiment. Leveling knobs 14 with screw adjustment screws are provided at the lower surface of base 12 in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

Connected to base 12 is a rigid mast 16 having a hollow structural section (HSS) substantially perpendicular thereto. The hollow portion of mast 16 allows for routing electrical wires therethrough, as described hereinbelow.

A substantially planar, rigid platform or bench 18 is supported by a support 19, all of which are fabricated from steel or other metal in the preferred embodiment. Bench 18 is pivotably mounted to support 19 at pivot point 19′. In the quiescent state of apparatus 10, bench 18 is disposed parallel to base 12, but can be adjusted relative to base 12 by the user, not shown.

A handlebar unit, preferably comprising two grips 20, is operatively and slidably connected to mast 16, each grip of the handlebar unit 20 having a dead man's pressure switch 22 operable by the user. Optionally, a third degree of readiness can allow a user to push up on handlebar unit 20, which would activate pressure switch 22. As a safety feature, pressure switch 22 requires the user to push upward a minimum distance before the conditions are met to start the handlebar unit 20 downward. If a predetermined minimum resistance is not maintained, apparatus 10 returns to its start position.

A drive element 24, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical (e.g., linear motor) system, is operatively connected to mast 16 for producing resistance to handlebar unit 20. In the preferred embodiment, drive element 24 is a hydraulic system operated by an electric motor, not shown. A desired level of resistance can be selected by the user by controlling the drive element 24. A display panel, not shown, includes a touch screen in the preferred embodiment, mounted proximate apparatus 10 so the user or another person can select limit distances and negative mode forces.

An upper limit switch 26 and a lower limit switch 28 are provided at the extreme upper and lower ends of mast 16, respectively, to limit sliding motion of handlebar unit 20.

In operation, the user positions himself on bench 18, reaches upwardly and grasps the grips of handlebar unit 20, each side with one hand. The user pulls handlebar unit 20 downwardly to exercise the muscles in his arms and chest. It should be understood that, while a weight lifting apparatus is herein described, apparatus 10 can be reconfigured and/or modified to allow a user to isolate and exercise various parts of the human body, such as legs, back, etc.

Exercise apparatus 10 operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, so when the user releases one or two handlebar pressure switches 22, handlebar unit 20 returns to an initial position relative to mast 16, and the user can rest, start again or depart from apparatus 10.

The safety of the user is paramount with this equipment, especially since heavy weights and their momentum are involved during operation of the apparatus 10. Accordingly, pressure switch 22 associated with each grip of handlebar unit 20 requires the user to push upward a minimum distance before the conditions are met to start the handlebar unit 20 downward. If a predetermined minimum resistance is not maintained, apparatus 10 returns to its start position.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram of the components of the bench 10 and control system therefor.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a photograph illustrating another embodiment of the invention. In this bench press, handlebar 20 starts at top of stroke, which is adjustable. When a user indicates readiness, handlebar 20 is driven downwardly, which downward motion continues until the user ceases demonstrating readiness or handlebar 20 reaches end of travel. The user sets maximum downforce, and handlebar motion slows or stops if resistance is near or reaches the predetermined set point.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a photograph of a press illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention. This press can also become a “Lat Pull” if the hydraulic action is changed to pull up. The Lat Pull will require leg restraints as force can exceed body weight. For squat exercises, handlebar 20 drives downwardly when the user is ready, which downward motion continues until the user ceases demonstrating readiness or handlebar 20 reaches end of travel. The user sets maximum downforce, and handlebar motion slows or stops if resistance is near or reaches the predetermined set point.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a photograph of a press illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention in which a user can perform leg exercises. When a user indicates readiness, the machine drives a foot plate 26 downwardly, which downward motion continues until the user ceases demonstrating readiness or foot pedal 26 reaches end of travel. The user sets maximum downforce, and foot plate motion slows or stops if resistance is near or reaches the predetermined set point.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a photograph of a press and user illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention in which a user can perform standing curls. A T-bar 24 is free to pivot so a user's arm can travel through an arc. When the user indicates readiness, the machine drives T-bar 24 downwardly, which downward motion continues until the user ceases demonstrating readiness or T-bar 24 reaches end of travel. Once again, the user sets maximum downforce, and T-bar motion slows or stops if resistance is near or reaches the predetermined set point.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-13, there are shown schematic illustrations of the press in accordance with the invention, as well as positions of users in respective workout positions.

All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents; patent application publications; and non-patent literature documents or other source material; are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in this application. For example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the present invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be carried out using a great number of variations of the devices, device components, and method steps set forth in the present description. As will be obvious to one of skill in the art, methods and devices useful for the present methods can include a great number of optional composition and processing elements and steps.

Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, a temperature range, a time range, or a composition or concentration range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.

All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. References cited herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety to indicate the state of the art as of their publication or filing date and it is intended that this information can be employed herein, if needed, to exclude specific embodiments that are in the prior art. For example, when compositions of matter are claimed, it should be understood that compounds known and available in the art prior to Applicant's invention, including compounds for which an enabling disclosure is provided in the references cited herein, are not intended to be included in any composition of matter claims herein.

As used herein, “comprising” is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. In each instance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that starting materials, biological materials, reagents, synthetic methods, purification methods, analytical methods, assay methods, and biological methods other than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the invention without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents, of any such materials and methods are intended to be included in this invention. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus for use by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, comprising: a) a frame having a base; b) a mast attached to the base; c) an adjustable support member for supporting part or all of a user, the support member being operatively connected to the base, and substantially parallel thereto in its quiescent state, on which the user can be positioned; d) a handlebar unit operatively and slidably connected to the mast and disposed at an initial position relative thereto in its quiescent state, the handlebar unit having at least one sensor operable by an individual user thereof; and e) a drive element operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the handlebar unit; whereby, when the user releases at last one of the handlebar sensors, the handlebar unit returns to an initial position relative to the mast, and the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.
 2. The exercise apparatus for use by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology in accordance with claim 1, wherein the drive element further comprises a source of power operatively connected thereto and is selected from a group of mechanisms consisting of: i) a hydraulic system; ii) a pneumatic system, and iii) a linear motor.
 3. An exercise apparatus for performing Lat Pulls by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, comprising: a) a frame having a base; b) a mast attached to the base; c) an adjustable support member for supporting part or all of a user, the support member being operatively connected to the base, and substantially parallel thereto in its quiescent state, on which the user can be positioned; d) leg restraints to accommodate an individual when force applied to the legs of a user the exceeds body weight thereof; e) a handlebar unit operatively and slidably connected to the mast and disposed at an initial position relative thereto in its quiescent state, the handlebar unit having at least one sensor operable by an individual user thereof; and f) a drive element operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the handlebar unit; whereby, when the user releases at last one of the handlebar sensors, the handlebar unit returns to an initial position relative to the mast, and the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.
 4. The exercise apparatus for performing Lat Pulls by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology in accordance with claim 3, wherein the drive element further comprises a source of power operatively connected thereto and comprises a hydraulic system.
 5. An exercise apparatus for performing standing curls by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, comprising: a) a frame having a base; b) a mast attached to the base; c) an adjustable support member for supporting part or all of a user, the support member being operatively connected to the base, and substantially parallel thereto in its quiescent state, on which the user can be positioned; d) a T-bar unit operatively and slidably connected to the mast and disposed at an initial position relative thereto in its quiescent state; and e) a drive element operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the handlebar unit; whereby, the T-bar returns to an initial position relative to the mast when the user ceases demonstrating readiness, the T-bar reaches end of travel, or the T-bar motion slows or stops if resistance is near or reaches a predetermined set point, at which time the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.
 6. The exercise apparatus for performing standing curls by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology in accordance with claim 5, wherein the drive element further comprises a source of power operatively connected thereto and is selected from a group of mechanisms consisting of: i) a hydraulic system; ii) a pneumatic system, and iii) a linear motor.
 7. An exercise apparatus for leg exercises by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, comprising: a) a frame having a base; b) a mast attached to the base; c) an adjustable support member for supporting part or all of a user, the support member being operatively connected to the base, and substantially parallel thereto in its quiescent state, on which the user can be positioned; d) a foot plate unit operatively and slidably connected to the mast and disposed at an initial position relative thereto in its quiescent state, the footplate unit having at least one sensor operable by an individual user thereof; and e) a drive element operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the footplate unit; whereby, the apparatus returns to an initial position when the user ceases demonstrating readiness, the footplate reaches end of travel, or the footplate motion slows or stops if resistance is near or reaches a predetermined set point, at which time the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.
 8. The exercise apparatus for leg exercises by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology in accordance with claim 7, wherein the drive element further comprises a source of power operatively connected thereto and is selected from a group of mechanisms consisting of: i) a hydraulic system; ii) a pneumatic system, and iii) a linear motor. 